Station Shikaoi

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Rural Charm

Nestled along National Route 274 in the scenic town of Shikaoi, this roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and cultural richness of Hokkaido’s Ishikari region. More than a mere stop for weary travelers, Shikaoi Michinoeki is a living celebration of community, nature, and creativity, where flowers bloom year-round along the scenic flower-lined road and visitors are welcomed with warmth and local pride.

At the heart of the station lies the Shikaoi Art Museum, home to the works of renowned farmer-artist Niko Kanda, whose vivid depictions of rural life inspire awe. Guests can also explore the pottery workshop, where hands-on陶芸 experiences bring the tradition of Shikaoi ware to life. With fresh local produce, including seasonal wild garlic and handmade soba, a visit to the roadside station offers a true taste of the land—complete with a tranquil park, a serene pond, and even a rare sight: a large aquarium housing sturgeon, nurtured through sustainable energy from a local biogas plant.

Shikaoi roadside station stands out for its unique integration of nature, art, and innovation. Home to a rare display of sturgeon swimming in a large tank—raised using surplus heat from the town’s biogas plant—it offers a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Adjacent to the station, the Kanda Nichikatsu Memorial Art Museum showcases the bold, realistic works of the famed peasant painter, creating a cultural depth unmatched elsewhere. Together, these features make Shikaoi a destination where rural sustainability, local art, and natural wonder converge.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest selection of seasonal produce, including early spring wild garlic, which is typically available from April through May and often sells out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for locally made cheese and pickled vegetables, which are handmade by nearby farmers and only restocked once per week on Tuesdays.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the pottery workshop between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM when the staff offers live demonstrations of Kurotsu-yaki (鹿追焼) ceramic techniques, available for hands-on experience by prior reservation.

• Stamps & Timing: Use the stamp station inside the roadside station during operating hours (9:00–17:00 in summer, 10:00–16:00 in winter), but if you arrive after hours, go to the adjacent Kurokawa Town Hall, which remains open for stamping from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Must-Try Food: Order the signature buckwheat noodles (soba) at the roadside station’s food counter—they are made daily from locally grown buckwheat and are available only during the 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM window.

• Art Access: Visit the Kanda Jisho Memorial Art Museum (adjacent to the roadside station) during its open hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to view original works by the renowned peasant painter Kanda Jisho, whose vivid depictions of rural life are displayed in rotating exhibitions.

• Off-Peak Experience: Avoid the busiest times by visiting the Chouzame Aquarium after 2:00 PM on weekdays, when the large freshwater sturgeon tank is less crowded and staff are more available to explain the local biogas-powered fish farming project.

Spring (March–May): Early spring brings wild garlic harvests and fresh spring vegetables; peak season for visiting the flower-lined roadside station.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the natural hot spring at Senbetsu Gorge Campsite and enjoying outdoor activities.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn foliage enhances the scenic beauty of the surrounding parks and trails.

Winter (December–February): Limited access due to shortened hours; best for quiet visits to the art museum and seasonal exhibits.